What is Meiji Mura?

Meiji Mura is an open-air museum in Inuyama, Aichi that lets
visitors experience what it was like to live during the Meiji
Period. It's one of the largest theme parks in Japan—measuring in at
1 million square meters. It's home to 67 Meiji-era buildings that
were deconstructed, moved to Inuyama, and then reconstructed
on-site.

What was the Meiji Period?

The Meiji Period lasted from 1868–1912. This was a time when Japan
began opening its doors to the world and first started to accept
Western culture. Beginning with technology, philosophy and
culture—all the way up to food and daily lifestyle changes—Japan was
taking on Western ways of life and the people took to them in great
numbers. It was during this period that the term "East-West
Compromise" showed up. The Meiji Period was the beginning of a more
open civilization—a modernizing of Japan.

Meiji Mura's All-Original Collection

The beauty of Meiji Mura is that instead of being home to a great
collection of replicas, it's home to an amazing collection of actual
buildings of the era. These buildings are even open to visitors as
well. 11 of the park's buildings are recognized as national
treasures. At Meiji Mura, you can not just see the priceless
cultural artifacts—you can experience the culture!

The Architecture of Meiji Mura

Toumatsu Home
(Important Cultural Property—1901)

This was a center of business in Nagoya, which was one of Japan's
three largest cities during the Meiji Period. The Toumatsu House was
constructed using the traditional "nuriyadzukuri" method, which
requires burning the walls of a building, to prevent the possibility
of future fires. The house was rebuilt three separate times—at the
end of the Edo Period, Meiji 28 and Meiji 34. The building is
constructed in such a way that the front is narrow and the rear is
wide and deep. Front walls that extended straight up to the third
floor did not exist in Japan before the Meiji Period and it can be
said that in business and architecture, this building led the way.

Imperial Hotel Lobby and Front Entrance
(1923)

In 1890, the newly rennovated government of Japan was looking to
entice foreign travelers to visit the country. The Imperial Hotel in
Tokyo was built to be a "guest house" for these foreign visitors.
The entrance and lobby of that hotel remains to this day at Meiji
Mura. Designed by famed 20th Century American architect Frank Lloyd
Wright, this masterpiece connects the 2D and 3D in fascinating ways
and is known the world over for its magnificence.

Kanazawa Prison Guard House and Cells
(1907)

The Kanazawa Prison is a wooden Western-style prison constructed in
1907. The prison is laid out encompassing a central guard house.
From that central position, the guards could see everything
happening in the halls. At first glance, it appears to be a standard
Western building, but on the inside, the walls are strictly divided.
It's a great place to see how prisons have changed since days past.
Visitors can also step inside one of the former cells and experience
what it would have been like to be a prisoner here.

Getting Around Meiji Mura

Steam Engine Locomotive (SL9 & SL12)

There are two train stations inside Meiji Mura—Nagoya Station and
Tokyo Station. The ride between them takes about 5 minutes. The
train that runs this trip is a real steam engine that was used
during the Meiji Period. It's the oldest working steam engine in
Japan. It's rare not just in Japan, but the world over. A one-way
ride for adults costs ¥500 or ¥300 for kids.

Village Bus

The village bus runs the length of the front gate to the Imperial
Hotel. The bus leaves every 20 minutes on weekdays and every 15
minutes on weekends and holidays. For guests looking for easy
transportation around the park, it's a great option. You can
purchase an all-day pass that runs ¥500 for adults and ¥300 for
kids.

Meiji Period Dishes and Nagoya Cuisine

Shokudouraku Curry Bread

Curry bread was originally introduced in the best-selling Meiji
Period novel "Shokudouraku". The bread is stuffed with Indian curry,
chicken and peanuts.

Noodle House Nagoya An

Omlette Rice and Grill Romantei

Try out some retro Japanese takes on Western cuisine like
omlette-covered rice, curry and rice, hashed beef with rice, and
grilled meatloaf.

Purchase Original Souvenirs

Museum Shop

Pick up one of our original souvenirs or some delicious sweets. The
museum shop is located right next to the main gate, so it's a
convenient stop on your way home.

Japanese Knick Knack Shop Raku

Raku has a wide variety of knick knacks and accessories like
Japanese-style towels, handkerchiefs Japanese fans and other
interesting traditional items. With a large selection of colors and
designs, you're sure to find something you'll like.

SL Museum Shop

This shop is fill to the brim with interesting items like original
cakes and cookies, items related to celebrated literary figures like
Natsume Soseki that you'll only find at Meiji Mura. If you're
looking for retro or uniqely Japanese souvenirs, this is the place!

Guides and Assistance

Voice Guidance System "Madonna"

Using our special digital pen, you can hear all about the fantastic
architecture you'll find at Meiji Mura in Japanese, English,
Chinese, and Korean. It's a convenient way to learn everything you
can about Meiji Mura's collection as you stroll through the village.

You'll find the digital pen and map at the main gate ticket office
and the SL Museum Shop. Use of the digital pen is free, but a ¥1000
deposit is required.

Please be advised that units are limited.

Guided Tours from Specialist Staff Members with Special Area
Access

Special tours of Saigo Jundou's home, the Toumatsu family home,
Zagyo-so, the Kureha-za Theater, Shibakawa Mataemon's home are
available from our expertly-trained staff. You'll be able to enter
parts of the buildings that are usually off-limits as well. Spoken
portions of the tour are only available in Japanese. Please check
tour times in advance.

Tours of the Toumatsu family home are available in English.

Getting to Meiji Mura

From Chubu Centrair International Airport and Nagoya

Get off the Meitetsu Inuyama Line at Inuyama Station [犬山駅] and
exit east towards the Meitetsu Bus bound for Meiji Mura
[明治村行き]

Get off at Meitetsu Nagoya and take the Meiji Mura bus
[明治村行き] from the Meitetsu Bus Center

Train times for weekdays are in blue on the left and weekends and
holidays are in red on the right.

From Tokyo

Get off the Tokaido Shinkansen at Nagoya Station [名古屋駅]

Get off the Meitetsu Inuyama Line at Inuyama Station [犬山駅] and
exit east towards the Meitetsu Bus bound for Meiji Mura
[明治村行き]

Get off at Meitetsu Nagoya and take the Meiji Mura bus
[明治村行き] from the Meitetsu Bus Center

From Osaka

Get off the Tokaido Shinkansen at Nagoya Station [ 名古屋駅] or
Kintetsu Nagoya [名古屋駅]

Get off the Meitetsu Inuyama Line at Inuyama Station [犬山駅] and
exit east towards the Meitetsu Bus bound for Meiji Mura
[明治村行き]

Get off at Meitetsu Nagoya and take the Meiji Mura bus
[明治村行き] from the Meitetsu Bus Center